Australian Open director Craig Tiley says there is no indication players intend boycotting matches on Margaret Court Arena

MARGARET Court’s comments on same sex marriage led to widespread condemnation from Tennis Australia. However, there is no indication players intend boycotting matches on her court this Australian Open.

Margaret Court won’t attend this year’s Australian Open.

TOURNAMENT director Craig Tiley says there is no indication players intend boycotting Australian Open matches on Margaret Court Arena as a protest against the grand slam legend’s opposition to same sex marriage.

Court, winner of more major titles than any other player in history, has been at the centre of an off-court firestorm after voicing her opposition to gay union.

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Her comments led to widespread condemnation among the player cohort, prompting Tennis Australia to distance itself from the sport’s most successful player.

Asked if he had fielded any requests, particularly among female competitors, to be scheduled away from the third largest of Melbourne Park’s show courts, Tiley said: “No.”

“I speak to the players every day but there have been no requests.

“I don’t agree with Margaret’s comments.

Margaret Court won’t attend this year’s Australian Open.

“They don’t align with my values. They don’t line with our organisation’s values.

“But she’s entitled — we live in a free country — to make whatever comments she wants.

“But with that comes a consequence.

“The consequence is that she’s got a response from us.”

Tiley said he contacted Court to express his views on her comments. Court has decided not to attend the Open.

“We’ve called her,” Tiley said.

“When someone makes comments that create a divide and are not around inclusivity in our environment, we’re not happy.

“She just feels she’s entitled to have an opinion and she is.

“I think tennis is one of the most inclusive and diverse sports there is.

“I look at other sports talking about pay equity and they’re nowhere near it.

“We’ve had pay equity for 25 years.

Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley. Picture: Nicole Garmston

“We don’t brag about pay equity, same thing about inclusiveness.”

Court, winner of an unmatched 11 Australian titles, owns 24 singles majors — one more than reigning Open champion Serena Williams, who has decided not to defend her crown.